Emre Can v Kevin de Bruyne and other key battles as Liverpool host Manchester City

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  • Manchester City travel to Liverpool on Sunday as they look to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League table, as well attempt to keep their unbeaten run going.

    The two sides met back in September with Pep Guardiola’s side cruising to a comprehensive 5-0 win at the Etihad Stadium.

    With that in mind, we look at some of the tasty key battles which will be on the menu.

    EMRE CAN VS KEVIN DE BRUYNE

    Kevin de Bruyne has been the stand-out player in England this year with a series of glittering displays.

    The Belgian has taken his game to new heights – with six goals and nine assists in 22 Premier League appearances this term – and few players have proven to be as influential on and off the ball as the 26-year-old.

    His ability to orchestrate proceedings has added another layer of quality into a City attack already boasting plenty of firepower – and if he’s allowed to dictate the game with such aplomb then Liverpool will struggle.

    This is where Emre Can can stamp his authority on the game – using his combative style to limit the former Chelsea man’s influence.

    The German never shies away from battle and if he can get on top early then this will curtail the impact of the Sky Blues’ pacy midfield.

    VIRGIL VAN DIJK V SERGIO AGUERO

    Virgil van Dijk looked a towering presence during Liverpool’s win over Everton in the Merseyside derby last week, and will be looking to continue his thrilling start to life at Anfield when he comes up against Sergio Aguero.

    The Argentine striker has been a thorn in Guardiola’s attack over the past two seasons – scoring 33 league goals since September 2016 – and is always a danger when City foray into the opposition half.

    At 6’3, Virgil has a solid aerial ability and is strong in the tackle – and this could be a vital ingredient in denying Aguero as he goes in search of extending his record as the club’s all-time goal scorer.

    The Dutchman will no doubt be focusing on his own game and look to command the Reds defence again – but he will need to be at his absolute best to stop the impact of City’s dominant attack.

    This is set-up to be a cracker of a battle.

    SADIO MANE V KYLE WALKER

    Walker has been instrumental since arriving from Tottenham last summer, and based on his current run of form, few are more composed in his position around the world at present.

    The Englishman looks at the prime of his footballing and physical ability and will be tasked with closing down the elusive Sadio Mane when City step out against Liverpool on Sunday.

    When the side’s last met in September, Mane was red-carded after 37 minutes for a challenge on goalkeeper Ederson – with the Sky Blues running out commanding 5-0 winners.

    As a result of the Senegalese’s early dismissal, both players didn’t get a chance to go head-to-head and this sets up for a mouth-watering clash down the left flank this weekend.

    Mane’s pace, movement and crisp passing ability makes him a menace for any defender, and this is sure to be Walker’s most significant test in over a month – since facing Tottenham and Man United.

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